Young adults employed by The Food Project harvesting beans in Dorchester

As Dorchester developed, many residents maintained a connection to the land by planting fruits and vegetables in their yards. These gardens have helped keep food on the table and provided new immigrants comfort as they harvested and ate the traditional foods of their homelands. One long-time Dorchester resident recalls growing up in the 1950’s where “We played in the streets because our mothers grew fruits and vegetables in the yard.” Even today, innovative programs work with youth to transform vacant lots into urban farms that provide fresh food for local residents.